Chikamagalur is a beautiful sleepy city nestled in the cradle of Sahyadri mountain ranges. The challenging hills, beautiful water falls and dense forests of chikamagalur invite nature enthusiasts with open arms. Having rated as the second best place in the world to have oxygen rich pure air this city is a travellers delight.

This travellers attraction city is on her way to be also know for some delightful nutrient rich super foods which are getting reintroduced in popular culinary avataar appealing enough to the expectations of new generations. Meet the founders Nagachaitra and his wife Tanushree who are behind this innovating sustainable food practices.

Nagachaitra, a former technology entrepreneur, found his true calling during the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a successful career in tech startups, Nagachaitra was adept at innovation and problem-solving. However, gruelling personal health crisis and eventual recovery through life style corrections prompted him to introspect the purpose of his life. This reevaluation of his priorities, leading him to a path where he could contribute more directly to community well-being and sustainable living.

Inspired by the rich agricultural heritage of his hometown, Chikamagalur, Nagachaitra transitioned from technology to food entrepreneurship, establishing the brand ‘Samyak Jeevan.’ His vision was to promote mindful living by reintroducing forgotten superfoods into modern diets. This led to the creation of Raw Café, an innovative experience center dedicated to showcasing ancient, nutrient-rich foods such as Neera and raw jackfruit.

Neera, The Natural Elixir is One of Nagachaitra’s key interests. Neera, a sweet sap extracted from the inflorescence of various species of toddy palms, in this case specifically extracted from the coconut tree. Often referred to as “nature’s necter,” Neera is rich in essential nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, and a range of vitamins. Unlike its fermented counterpart toddy, Neera is a non-alcoholic, health-boosting beverage that can be consumed fresh.

At Raw Café, Neera is offered in its pure form, highlighting its natural sweetness and refreshing taste. Additionally, it is incorporated into various dishes and beverages, providing a unique twist to traditional recipes. This approach not only enhances the culinary experience but also educates customers about the versatility and benefits of this ancient superfood.

Raw Jackfruit is another Versatile Superfood which is rich in dietry fibres and has the potential to be on everybody’s diet plan.

Another focal point of Raw Café’s menu is designing desirable cuisines made from raw jackfruit, which were otherwise only seasonal staple in traditional chikamagalur cuisines for centuries. Rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, raw jackfruit is celebrated for its ability to improve digestion, boost immunity, and maintain heart health. Its neutral flavor and meaty texture make it an excellent substitute for meat in various dishes, appealing to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Raw Café showcases the versatility of raw jackfruit through an array of innovative dishes, from jackfruit Biriyani, Kababs and burgers to traditional Indian curries. By presenting this superfood in contemporary and traditional formats, the café bridges the gap between old-world nutrition and modern culinary trends.

As the public response to Raw Café’s innovative Neera and jackfruit cuisines has been overwhelmingly positive, Expanding the Menu to accommodate Local Specialties was a natural option. The couple decided to expand the café’s offerings to include more local specialties. Today, the menu features a variety of Chikamagalur’s finest foods like aromatic coffee, rich cocoa chocolates, and wholesome millet-based dishes. Each item is carefully curated to celebrate the region’s agricultural bounty while promoting health and sustainability.

Raw Café is designed to be an immersive experience center where visitors can learn about the origins, nutritional benefits, and culinary applications of new foods like Neera and raw jackfruit. The café hosts workshops, cooking demonstrations, and tasting sessions, encouraging people to incorporate these nutrient-dense foods into their daily diets.

The interior of Raw Café reflects the Samyak Jeevan philosophy of mindful living, with eco-friendly décor, open kitchens, and communal dining spaces. This setup fosters a sense of community, where patrons can share their experiences, exchange ideas, and build a deeper connection with their food.

At the core of Raw Café’s operations is a commitment to sustainability and support for local farmers. By sourcing ingredients directly from local organic farms, the café ensures the freshest produce while promoting fair trade practices. This initiative not only benefits the local economy but also encourages sustainable agricultural methods that are kinder to the environment